What is Sustainable Energy?

What is sustainable energy?
Sustainable energy is a form of energy that meets today\’s demand for energy without putting them in danger of getting expired or depleted and can be used over and over again. Sustainable does not cause any harm to the environment. All renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, ocean energy and wind are sustainable as they are stable and available in plenty.

Types of sustainable energy
Sustainable energy is not only part of renewable energy sources, but they are also the source of energy that can be used to power homes and industries without experiencing harmful effects.

Solar energy
Solar energy is the best and most common form of sustainable energy. The easiest way to explain solar energy is like this – plants need light to grow and generate food. We need heat and energy to power homes and industries. Using energy from the sun allows us to gain the power to homes and industries without causing further harm to the environment. These are the solar panels that you see. In Michigan, we lack sunlight in the winter so this is not something we would really be able to harness in the winter, however during the summer it would be great to cut down on energy costs.

Wind energy
Did you know the wind is a sustainable energy source? The wind is available naturally can be tapped to produce vast amounts of power that can be used in various capacities. Wind turbines are the most common form of wind energy. Currently, wind energy is being commercialized. Many companies have invested heavily in power grids, and turbines to tap into this amazing energy source.

Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy allows you to collect the energy from beneath the earth. Geothermal power stations are installed that use the heat coming out from inside the earth and use it to generate electricity. The temperature below the earth is so high that it can be used to boil water.

Ocean energy
About 70% of the earth is covered with water, which means there is plenty of opportunity for ocean energy. With so much water, the potential that ocean energy has to generate power is much higher than any other energy source out there. You can harness this energy in three ways: wave, tidal or ocean thermal energy conversion.

Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is produced by burning wood, timber, landfills and more. It is a completely renewable resource and does not produce any harmful gases such as carbon dioxide.

Hydroelectric power
Hydroelectric power is commonly used today to power most parts of the world and is one of the biggest forms of alternative energy currently being used. Many countries and companies are exporting this energy.

With the world become a greener place, it\’s only a matter of time before more homes and companies have a sustainable energy plan in place. Not only will sustainable energy help save money, but it\’s great for the environment and doesn\’t cause harm.

29 Things to Do in February

Did anyone else feel like January flew by, or is that just me? I saw a lot of people posting about being five months into the year and it’s only January, however, for me, that wasn’t the case. January was here and gone with a blink of the eye. February has arrived, which means Valentine’s season is upon – hello all things pink. To help you make the most of this extra-long February (it’s a leap year so there are 29 instead of 28 days) I will be sharing with you 29 things to do in February.

1. Eat ice cream for breakfast! My favorite is Hudsonville.

2. It’s Superbowl Sunday! Whether you’re cheering for the 49ers or the Chief or just there for the commercials, make sure the snacks are always flowing. This year I will be attending a SOUPERbowl party, where everyone will be bringing a soup to share.

3. In Michigan we lack sun all winter long, if you’re feeling the winter blues like I am, brighten up your office space, bedroom and elsewhere with fresh flowers or a house plant.

4. If you haven’t already, create a vision board! Seriously, put what you want to accomplish this year right in front of you. Not only will this keep you focused, but it will also help to hold you accountable.

5. It’s world Nutella day, make a treat with Nutella or enjoy apples and pretzels with Nutella.

6. Give your hair a touch of pink without the damage with oVertone! Stay tuned, I’ll be putting rose gold in my hair!

7. It’s the month of love, which makes it the perfect opportunity to start a romance novel.

8. Book a ski or snowboard trip somewhere! If you don’t know how, head to the slopes and take a class.

9. You’ve stolen a pizza my heart! Celebrate national pizza day by ordering from your favorite place or building your own pizza at home.

10. Get ready for Valentine’s day and get yourself a novelty manicure or pedicure. I am thinking pink nails with heart accents. Who am I kidding, I am always thinking pink nails with heart accents.

11. Get outside and enjoy nature. Head to a local trail and take a hike.

12. Make a delicious Valentine’s Day treat. This year I am thinking heart-shaped sugar cookies.

13. Start spring cleaning early by going through your closet and donating gently used items.

14. Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is all about romance, this year do something nice for yourself. Schedule that massage, get a pedicure, grab yourself some chocolate covered strawberries, book a trip somewhere!

15. Get together with your besties and celebrate Galentine’s Day. Think about going to brunch, taking a baking class together or going on a hike.

16. Check out a new place for brunch.

17. Celebrate the Random Act of Kindness Day today! Find a way to brighten someone’s day, maybe write someone a simple note and tell them how much you appreciate them, get someone a small gift, or pay for the person’s coffee in line behind you. No matter what it is, big or small it is sure to make a difference to someone.

18.  I know that wintertime makes it hard to travel, as well as the fact that money could be tight for travel. I also know that seasonal depression is a real thing, so why not book a local hotel and enjoy their pool, have a movie marathon in the room, order room service and just enjoy time out of the house.

19. Cuddle up (i’ll be cuddling up with Jack), and watch a movie on Netflix, while enjoying some popcorn (hello Grand Rapids Popcorn Company).

20. February is cold, heat things up in the kitchen by trying out a new spice or recipe.

21. Don’t forget to order or make your King Cake for Mardi Gras!

22. Host a Mardi Gras party! I went to New Orleans around Mardi Gras years ago and I cannot wait to host a party this year, and finally put my mascarade mask to good use!

23. Visit a local museum or art gallery.

24. Turn off your phone early and just enjoy “me time.”

25. Happy Mardi Gras! Michiganders grab those paczkis!

26. Schedule to get your taxes done.

27. Give a different food a try – I recently tried Thai food and I am obsessed!

28. It’s National Floral Design Day. Grab some flowers and arrange a beautiful bouquet for yourself.

29. It’s rare that we are given extra time. Take a leap and make the most of this extra day by doing something you’ve wanted to do, but have been too busy to do.

Travel Diaries: Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Take a step back into the ancient history of the Anasazi people when you visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are located in Manitou Springs, Colorado just west of Colorado Springs off of US Highway 24.

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings and museum provide an inside look into the lives of the ancient Anasazi people. You will see artifacts, pottery, weapons and even the archaeological tools they used. The biggest appeal about the Manitou Cliff Dwellings is the fact that you are able to walk around inside the ancient-styles ruins.

Are the Manitou Cliff Dwellings real?
The ancient Anasazi people did not live in the Manitou Cliff Swellings of Manitou Springs. The Anasazi people actually roamed and the Four Corners area from 1200 BC to 1300 AD, which is about 300 miles away from Manitou Springs. The site in Manitou Springs was built as a tourist attraction and museum, however, it does feature the same rocks and artifacts that were found at the collapsed Anasazi site during the early 1900s.

What happened to the Anasazi people?

I couldn’t really find a definite answer to why the Anasazi people disappeared. Many reachers and archaeologists believe it could be a lack of resources or an attacking tribe.

Get discount tickets here.

Coming to Detroit: Fiddler on the Roof

Get excited Detroit! Fiddler on the Roof is coming to the Fisher Theatre from March 10-15, and it\’s one show that you do not want to miss.

Tickets start at $45 and can now be purchased online at http://www.broadwayindetroit.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased by phone by calling 800-982-2787, and at the Fisher Theatre box office.

A beloved theatrical classic from Tony Award-winner Joseph Stein, and Pulitzer Prize-winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The King and I); choreographed by the acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter; inspired by the original choreography of Jerome Robbins; and has musical direction by Ted Sperling.

Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter.   This classic musical is rich with Broadway hits, including “To Life (L’Chaim!),” “If I Were A Rich Man,” \”Sunrise Sunset,” \”Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.”

Following a critically-acclaimed first year on tour, Israeli theatre, film and TV star, Yehezkel Lazarov, will continue his celebrated performance as Tevye in Year 2 of the Fiddler on the Roof North American Tour. 

The cast will feature return performances from Maite Uzal as Golde, Jonathan von Mering as Lazar Wolf, Carol Beaugard as Yente, Ruthy Froch as Hodel. Additional casting includes Kelly Gabrielle Murphy as Tzeitel, Noa Luz Barenblat as Chava, Emma Taylor Schwartz as Shprintze, Carly Post as Bielke, Nick Siccone as Motel, Nic Casaula as Perchik, Jack O’Brien as Fyedka and Andrew Hendrick as Constable. The ensemble includes Jessica Altchiler, Mateus Barbosa da Silva, Nicholas Berke, Andrea Marie Bush, Nickolaus Colõn, Cam Cote, David Scott Curtis, David Ferguson, Kelly Glyptis, Michael Greenberg, Yochai Greenfeld, Sam McLellan, Randa Meierhenry, Carlye Messman, Ali Arian Molaei, Alynn Rinah

Parola, Gray Randolph, Cassandra Surianello, Brooke Wetterhahn and Scott Willits.

The original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, which opened in 1964, was the first musical in history to surpass 3,000 performances. The show won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical in addition to eight other Tony Awards that year. This acclaimed revival proudly introduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe.

The world premiere of Fiddler on the Roof, before it went to Broadway, was at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre in 1963 starring Zero Mostel.

Fiddler on the Roof has scenic design by Michael Yeargan (Tony Award-nominee, The King and I), costume design by Catherine Zuber (Tony Award-winner, The King and I), lighting design by Donald Holder (Tony Award-nominee, The King and I), sound design by Scott Lehrer (Tony Award-winner, South Pacific), and hair and wig design by Tom Watson.

Website: www.Fiddlermusical.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FiddlerBroadway

Twitter: www.twitter.com/FiddlerBroadway

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fiddlerbroadway

Performance times for Fiddler on the Roof appearing March 10-15, 2020 at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:

Tuesday – Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday evening performance at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Special open captioned and audio described performance on Friday, March 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets for Fiddler on the Roof start at $45 (includes facility and parking fees) and are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased online at broadwayindetroit.com or ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787. A limited number of premium seats will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Fisher Theatre box office. For group sales (10 or more) please call 313-871-1132 or email groups@broadwayindetroit.com. Tickets for the open captioned and audio described performance may be purchased in person at the Fisher Theatre box office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

Broadway In Detroit uses Ticketmaster as its sole, authorized ticketing agent. Individual tickets purchased from a ticket broker or “third party” ticket reseller involves risk and may not be authentic, sold at box office prices, or with correct performance and venue information. Broadway In Detroit box offices cannot reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets sold through a third party or ticket reseller. Broadway In Detroit is also unable to contact third party purchasers with pertinent updates or changes regarding performances.

The Best Rom-Coms for Valentine\’s Day

Valentine\’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you\’re single, taken or hanging out with gal-pals and celebrating Galentine\’s Day I have the ultimate rom-com movie list for you. Cheesy romantic comedies or Kleenex-worthy tear-jerkers are the best way to get into the love or hate the spirit of February 14. Here\’s a peek at all the romance-filled films you\’ll want to grab popcorn and watch this Valentine\’s Day. Speaking of popcorn – Grand Rapids Popcorn Company has the cutest Valentine\’s filled box that will make the perfect addition to your evening of movie watching. Make your Valentine\’s Day or someone else\’s really POP this year with the Grand Rapids Popcorn Company Valentine\’s Gift Box!


Grand Rapids Popcorn Company Valentine\’s Gift Box Features: 

A tub of vanilla, strawberry, cherry, and watermelon flavored popcorn that has been smothered in white chocolate – yum!

A 16-ounce bag of Sweetheart Swirl popcorn
A 3-ounce bag of White Salted popcorn

An 8-ounce bag of Butter Toffee Caramel Corn

Two 4 ounce bags of Cinnamon Nuts (I am obsessed with these)

Pro Tip: Grab your Grand Rapids Popcorn Company Valentine\’s Gift Box 

The Best Rom-Coms for Valentine\’s Day
Sweet Home Alabama (all-time favorite movie)
Falling Inn Love (on Netflix and super adorable)

Bridget Jones\’s Diary (a Valentine\’s Day classic)

Leap Year (perfect to watch since it\’s actually a leap year)
Beauty and the Beast (the live-action one is amazing)

Love Actually (classic)

The Notebook (I mean, how can you not watch this movie?)

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (second all-time favorite movie)

Dirty Dancing (because nobody puts baby in the corner)
Casablanca (need I say more?)

Grease (it\’s electrifying)

He\’s Just Not That Into You (you know… I had to)